Let Them Eat Cake

If you have ever tried to bake a cake but are missing one crucial ingredient, the outcome is usually far from what you desired. The same is true when it comes to financing a vehicle. You can do all your research, go on countless test drives, negotiate the price and apply for the loan. But if you aren’t sure of what is on your credit report, you are missing a vital ingredient and it can cost you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars in interest.

Follow these simple steps prior to any vehicle purchase and you will ensure you have a recipe for success:

  1. Visit annualcreditreport.com (free website)
  2. Verify that 3 bureaus are reporting the same information
  3. If an error or inconsistency is discovered, contact that bureau to report the problem

 

Black Diamond Farmer’s Market

Black Diamond Farmers Market

The Black Diamond Farmer’s Market is opening its doors for the season on Friday.  This is the third season for the market.  They will be open from 3:00-7:00pm every Friday from June 5 through September 29, 2015. At the Farmer’s Market not only can you pick up local produce but also find art and artisanal products.  Every week the market will highlight a theme to show off the growing season.  This week (the first week) the market will be highlighting rhubarb, which is not just great in a pie.  A BBQ truck is going to be there every week to tempt you with delicious eats while shopping.  Don’t forget to check out the car we’re bringing to the Farmer’s Market each week. The market is located at 25203 Roberts Drive, Black Diamond, WA.  We hope to see you there.

Military Discount

Military MonthGM Salutes Veterans During Military Appreciation Month

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, all active, reserve, retired and veteran military – regardless of separation date – can receive the GM Military Discount at on eligible Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles now through the end of June 2015.

Many members of our community have a connection to the military. We’re honored to show our gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who are currently serving and have previously served our country.

More than 40,000 active and veteran service members took advantage of the GM Military Discount last year, and GM is again offering the most comprehensive military pricing program of any automaker to all 22 million active and veteran service members from all branches: U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard – and their spouses – during May and June 2015.

First offered in 2008, the GM Military Discount Program features pricing below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for eligible vehicles. The expanded eligibility makes it the most comprehensive military purchase program in the auto industry through June 30, 2015. The discount can be combined with most other current incentives being offered. Current USAA Insurance members are also eligible for an additional $750 discount.

Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race

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Once a year cycling enthusiast from across the Pacific Northwest gather in Enumclaw to compete in one of Washington’s biggest and most competitive races. The Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race is held yearly in May. With its beautiful scenic route and grueling inclines the MOESR draws a crowd of about 600 participants. The race was converted into a traditional timed stage race format in 2010. It is the only timed stage race an hour from Seattle, so not only does it bring in particapants from around the area but also Canada.

The race begins on Saturday with the very first lap following the road up to Mud Mountian Dam, which has a quick rise of 800 ft. each lap. The leg-burning speed is needed for the first lap to be kept out of elimination. Those who make it through to a spot in the criterium can expect a fun, action packed course. The criterium course runs through the heart of downtown Enumclaw. The day following an eight-corner technical criterium and time trail, the road race quickly cuts the participants down to an elite group. The race ends Sunday with 44 mile road race. The total prize purse is $10,000 and is awarded to the top three finishers.

Local residents love to come watch the race. The best place to catch the race is around the Enumclaw Library on Saturday evening. The Kids’ race begins at 5:00 pm and quickly following the Kid’s race you can catch the criterium. Registration for the Kid’s Race is held between 3:45-4:45 in the library parking lot. Be sure to watch for the Gamblin Motor’s pace car.

For information on registering and specific race details: http://www.moestagerace.com/

Our Pace Car

Pace Car for MOES 2

EHS Student Photography Contest

EHS PHOTO CONTEST

 

Over the past few years, Gamblin Motors has sponsored a photo contest for EHS students. The students are given a month to send us their very best photos. These photos are uploaded to our Facebook page. Our Facebook followers are asked to vote for the favorite photo. Students encourage their friends and family to vote for their photo. At the end of the contest, the photo with the most likes wins. The winner receives $250.

Our 2015 contest kicks off this week. Students can send us their photos beginning May15. They will be uploaded to our Facebook page the next day. The contest runs from May 15-June 16. The Winner will be announced on June 17. Get ready to vote for your favorite photo. Here are the instructions for interested EHS students:

Contest Instructions

-Save Photo with your name using this format: First_Last _Grade

-Email Photo to corigamblin@gmail.com. Your photo will be uploaded to Gamblin Motor’s Facebook page the next day.

-Spread the word to get the most likes for your photo on Gamblin Motor’s Facebook page.

-The photo with the most likes wins $250 cash.

Helpful Hints

  1. Like Art Gamblin Motors on FB
  2. Get your photo in soon. (If your photo is one of the first posted, it will be up the longest.)
  3. Spread the word on your FB page.
  4. Repost our photo contest posts on your wall.
  5. Have friends and family also post your contest photo on their wall.

The more people who see your photo the more votes you will get.

 

 

Serving at Full Bellies

Full Bellies 3

One of our favorite ways to help out the plateau community is cooking and providing dinner for Full Bellies. Full Bellies offers a FREE hot meal for families and individuals in a warm environment. Meals are prepared every Thursday by various groups and companies in the Enumclaw community. Several times a year Gamblin Motor’s employees get to serve at Full Bellies.

Full Bellies 4

Full Bellies was started by Colleen Michael, a stay-at-home mom, who didn’t want to see kids going to bed hungry. She had a vision to bring hot meals to families in need. With the help of Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation, Calvary Presbyterian Church, and volunteers from the community, her vision became a reality. Anyone is welcome and can get a hot meal every Thursday at Calvary Presbyterian Church starting at 5:30pm. Full Bellies needs community support; for information on how to volunteer contact Rene Popke at the Rainier Foothills Foundation. This is a great way to get involved and help fight hunger.

http://rfwellnessfoundation.org/initiatives/neighbors-feeding-neighbors/

Full Bellies1

April is Car Care Month

April-Car-Care

April is car care month, which reminds driver to give their vehicle a thorough checkup, before the summer driving season.

“We encourage our customers to take care of their vehicles year-round and the onset of spring is a perfect time to inspect vehicles for wear and damage caused by winter driving,” said Alan Gamblin.

Many services are best left to the pros, while customers can do others themselves. Along with routine services like an oil and filter change, brake check and fresh wiper blades, ACDelco experts – General Motors’ original equipment and independent aftermarket parts brand – recommend the following:

Go with the pros:

  • Oil change– Having the oil and oil filter changed, at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer, is likely to generate the single biggest return on your investment in routine auto service and maintenance. Replacing the dirty oil and filter will help protect the internal parts of the engine from premature wear. It’s important to use the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle for the best protection and fuel mileage.
  • Spark plugs– Many are designed to last 100,000 miles, but they can get dirty or fail prematurely. Ignition wires lose insulating ability over time, and the connection to the plug or ignition coil can degrade. Having plugs checked and, if necessary, replaced, can improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.
  • Examine belts, clamps and hoses– Tighten or replace as necessary.
  • Replace worn or damagedsuspension components – Like struts, shocks, tie rods and bushings, which take the brunt of spring potholes and bumpy gravel roads.
  • Test the battery– Heat can tax a battery as much as cold. Modern batteries are about more than cold cranking amps. ACDelco batteries also provide optimum reserve capacity – for all the electronic devices used in today’s vehicles.

Do it yourself:

  • Sunroof– Inspect weather strips and remove debris from drains before they leak into vehicle. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area with a clean cloth, mild soap and water.
  • Cabin air filter– Replace this filter to improve airflow through the interior climate control system and help remove pollen, allergens and stale odors. Most owner’s manuals explain how to do it.
  • Radiator and condenser– Sand and salt can corrode and damage these elements, which are what you see through your vehicle’s grille. With the engine off, use a garden hose (do NOT power wash) with medium spray or open flow to wash away dirt and salt. This simple step can improve engine cooling and air conditioning performance
  • Spare tire– Make sure it’s properly inflated and that you have a portable compressor, a jack and a tire iron in the event of a flat.

You can call Gamblin Motors at (877) 459-1449 to set up an appointment for their vehicle’s springtime services.

Malibu Hybrid

Malibu-Hybrid

The next generation Chevy Mailbu 2016 will include a hybrid that offers an estimated combined fuel economy rating exceeding 45 mpg. Using technology from the 2016 Chevrolet Volt propulsion system, Malibu Hybrid will offer a higher combined mileage rating than the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata hybrid variants.

“Besides leveraging innovation from the Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid also has unique features that help improve aerodynamics, like upper and lower grille air shutters to improve airflow and a reduced ride height, all of which help reduce fuel consumption,” said Jesse Ortega, Chevrolet Malibu chief engineer.

An 80-cell, 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides electric power to the Hybrid system. The advanced lithium-ion based chemistry can power the Malibu hybrid at up to 55 miles per hour on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine will automatically come on at higher speeds and high loads when necessary to provide additional power.

Chevrolet revealed the 2016 Malibu Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show.

Chevy Confirmed Production on the Bolt EV

Chevy Bolt

Chevrolet confirmed production of its next-generation pure electric vehicle, based on the Bolt EV concept. The Bolt EV concept was introduced a few months ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it,” said Batey, GM North American President “We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles.”

Using the industry-leading battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV was developed as a game-changing, long-range pure electric for all 50 states, designed to offer more than a 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000. This exciting announcement signals Chevrolet’s commitment to meeting customer demand by delivering an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle to market.

What’s the difference between AWD, 4WD, RWD, and FWD?

Your Wheels

Vehicles act differently on snow and ice depending on whether they have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. With winter in full swing, We’d like to provide you with a brief spin through the options. Remember, almost every new vehicle from Chevrolet and Buick includes an electronic traction control system that intervenes automatically to improve performance in slippery conditions.

Front-wheel drive (FWD): Simply put, engine power is channeled to the front wheels to propel the vehicle. FWD is the most popular and prevalent system in the market because its compact setup enhances fuel efficiency and frees up more room inside the vehicle. Plus, the weight of the powertrain is concentrated over the driving wheels, so it offers good traction when it’s slippery.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD): As the name implies, engine power is sent to the rear wheels to propel the vehicle. In passenger cars, RWD reigned until the advent of FWD in the early 1980s. But RWD can more effectively handle higher engine power and higher vehicle weights, which is why it’s still favored in large trucks, larger performance vehicles, purpose-built race cars and law-enforcement pursuit use.

All-wheel drive (AWD): Don’t confuse all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive. Both engage all four wheels, but they’re designed and operate differently. Generally, an AWD drivetrain operates as a FWD or RWD system – most are FWD. AWD system pre-emptively sends power to front and rear axles on every launch to prevent wheel slip, then backs down if no slip occurs. Power is transferred automatically via a single-speed transfer case. (A transfer case connects to the transmission to split power between the front and rear wheels.) The beauty of AWD is no driver effort is needed to activate the system.

Four-wheel drive (4WD or 4×4): Four-wheel drive typically features a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for maximum traction. 4WD vehicles typically operate in RWD until four-wheel traction is required; and while most systems are driver-activated, many offer a setting that automatically engages the high range when it’s slippery. The driver must still engage the low range. Found in large, rear-wheel-drive trucks and larger SUVs with additional ground clearance compared to passenger cars and crossovers, 4×4 still provides the best traction and capability in off-road.